The MLS All-Stars took on Liga MX’s best in a showcase match for bragging rights at Lower.com Field, the home of the reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. Fans voted in the players present on the night with reigning MLS MVP Luciano Acosta winning the MLS All-Star Captain Fan Vote presented by Captain Morgan.
The FC Cincinnati attacking midfielder wore a special captain’s armband designed by Captain Morgan and Columbus artist Adam Hernandez. Acosta has captained the last two MLS All-Star sides, a special honor after being voted in by fans. The armband signifies the spirit of the game, the vibrancies of Hernandez’s culture, community and love for the sport.
The MLS All Star Captain Fan Vote presented by Captain Morgan enabled fans to have their voices heard by voting in an honorary captain to lead MLS’ best. The captaincy is a pivotal part of the All-Star game. By participating in the MLS All-Star Captain Fan Vote, you’re not just supporting your favorite player; you’re becoming a part of the game itself.
The voting phase included four players who received the most captain nominations from the first round of ballot casting. Acosta beat out Lionel Messi, Cristian Arango and Cucho Hernandez. Captaining the MLS All-Stars two years in a row in front of a record-breaking crowd at Lower.com Field is yet another highlight of the season for Acosta.
Acosta was announced as captain of the team on July 19. Perhaps repeating as MLS All-Star Captain is a precursor to a Supporters’ Shield repeat. He led the team out onto the field as one of two FC Cincinnati representatives on the night.
Monterrey’s German Berterame opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a wonderful header from inside the 18-yard box found the bottom corner. The lead didn’t last long as Diego Rossi assisted hometown favorite Cucho Hernandez a minute later to level the score for MLS All-Stars. Calls from the stadium announcer of “Cucho” were followed by chants of “Hernandez” from the crowd. A great moment for the Crew forward.
Fans in the stadium thought captain Acosta won a penalty for the MLS, but the call on the field was overturned by VAR. The Argentine had some great linkup play outside the penalty area, but it was Liga MX who retook the lead in the 41st minute thanks to a great goal from Oussama Idrissi.
Coming out of halftime, Wilfried Nancy made a ton of changes to the side bringing in the likes of Riqui Puig, Federico Bernardeschi, Hany Mukhtar and Denis Bouanga. Puig has been on fire this season for LA Galaxy, so it was only right that he took over captain duties from Luciano Acosta putting on the specialized armband.
Copa America 2024 standout Moise Bombito made a massive tackle early in the second half to prevent a third Liga MX goal. A superb effort from Riqui Puig rattled the crossbar in the 63rd minute with MLS looking more likely to tie the game.
Then, Liga MX doubled their lead through two quick goals from Juan Brunetta and Maximiliano Meza. LAFC’s Hugo Lloris was caught out both times and the lead was insurmountable for Nancy’s side.
The MLS All-Stars lost 4-1 to Liga MX’s All-Stars in this year’s All-Star Game. The game served as a great teaser for Leagues Cup 2024 kicking off Friday with all MLS and Liga MX teams vying for the trophy.
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